Lowen pilots an aluminum boat, a rarity among professional bass anglers. His Xpress Boats X21 is 21 feet long and has all the room and amenities of a similar size fiberglass bass boat. Xpress Boats has been in business for more than 50 years, and they were the first to make a welded hull aluminum boat.

The boat floats in skinny water, where Lowen prefers to ply his trade. It also handles big water well thanks to the deep V in the bow, Lowen claimed.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The frame and fenders of the Xpress Boats’ trailer are made from aluminum. Not only is the trailer lighter, it won’t rust.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The upper deck of Lowen’s Xpress Boats bass boat features a durable, scuff resistant finish similar to that of a truck bed liner. Note the deck cleat that folds out of the way.

Though Lowen’s Ultrex has a transducer built into the motor, he strapped on a Humminbird Down and Side Imaging transducer so he can employ Side Imaging from the bow.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The GPS system in Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor allows for Spot Lock, i-Pilot and other advanced features. Lowen mounted the Ultrex’s GPS puck on the bow’s gunnel. Note the motor support that prevents damage to the trolling motor when navigating rough water.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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A single Humminbird Helix 12 does the job for Lowen when he’s casting.

The foot control pedal for Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor has buttons on each side that let Lowen instantly employ Spot Lock, constant on and other features.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The control buttons for Lowen’s Minn Kota Talon anchors are on the front deck to the right of the trolling motor pedal.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The rod locker in Lowen’s Xpress bass boat is large enough to house a full arsenal of weapons.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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A look inside the rod locker confirms this.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Lowen is known for his skill with shallow crankbaits. Here he fetches one of his favorite cranking outfits from his rod locker. It is a Castaway Skeleton V-2 7-foot Medium Cranking rod sporting a Lew’s BB1 reel.

Lowen equipped his boat with a sound system. “I’ve never had one before, but I’ll never be without one again,” Lowen said. “My kids love it.”

Photo: Mark Hicks

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A pair of Buck Splizzors stands at ready in the tool slots located next to the driver’s console.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The rear front deck compartment on the driver’s side holds more essential gear and tackle.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Foremost among these items is Lowen’s inflatable life vest.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Lowen relies on the Humminbird Helix 10 on his driver’s console to find bass and bass structure.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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This is what Lowen sees when running his boat. The lever on the right side of the steering column is for the outboard’s tilt and trim. The lever on the left side controls the T-H Marine Atlas jackplate.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The push button switches on the Xpress Boat are handy and well organized.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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This funky looking device is a smart-phone holder.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Lowen often uses his phone to access satellite views of where he is fishing.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The hand switch for Lowen’s Talons are at his fingertips on the left side of the steering column. The switch may be removed from its holder if Lowen wishes to do so.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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A T-H Marine Hotfoot gives Lowen instant throttle control and allows him to keep both hands on the steering wheel for maximum boat control.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The cooler next to the console also serves as a step to the front deck.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Bill Lowen in the driver’s seat ready to rumble. Note how the low placement of his Humminbird Helix 10 does not obstruct his view while driving.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Xpress boats doesn’t skimp on quality when it comes to seating.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Between the seats is another handy cooler.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Lowen doesn’t believe in going hungry or thirsty while fishing.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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A push-pole is strapped down next to the passenger seat.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Under the bottom cushion of each seat is more storage.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Lowen keeps his culling clips and balance beam under his seat. He leaves the compartment under the other seat empty for his partner or marshal.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The locker behind the driver’s seat holds more essential gear.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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This includes a spare inflatable life vest...

Photo: Mark Hicks

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…a fire extinguisher…

Photo: Mark Hicks

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…ear plugs for long boat rides…

Photo: Mark Hicks

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…T-H Marine G-Juice Livewell Treatment and Fish Care Formula that works with the T-H Marine Oxygenator in Lowen’s livewell…

Photo: Mark Hicks

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…a toolbox filled with necessary tools for emergency repairs…

Photo: Mark Hicks

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…and, of course, toilet paper for other emergencies.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The storage compartment behind the passenger seat houses more tackle.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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You just can’t have too many lures in your boat, but they must be organized.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Among the baits in this locker are some of Lowen’s most beloved crankbaits.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Most of these crankbaits are square bills, which Lowen heavily relies on.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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One of Lowen’s top priority lures is his signature Ima Bill Lowen Squarebill Crankbait.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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There is plenty of room in these livewells for heavy limits of big bass.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The diver’s side livewell has T-H Marine’s Oxygenator installed.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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A look into the passenger side livewell shows the livewell divider.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The battery compartment lies behind the livewells.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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It holds three Optima batteries that provide 36 volts to the Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor, plus a starter battery for the outboard, electronics and pumps.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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There is also room in this compartment for the 4-bank battery charger.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Behind the seat on the rear deck is a long lid that provides access to the 45-gallon gas tank.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Few bass boats have such convenient access to the gas tank and fuel lines. This eliminates a serious hassle should there be a problem with the fuel system.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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Because he prefers to fish shallow whenever possible, Lowen wouldn’t dream of taking to the water without his Minn Kota Talon anchors.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The mount for Lowen’s Talons features a lever…

Photo: Mark Hicks

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…that allows Lowen to tilt the Talons forward so they don’t obstruct him from idling under low bridges and through small culverts.

Photo: Mark Hicks

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The T-H Marine Atlas jackplate lets Lowen trim the motor up or down for optimum boat control in any water conditions. He often raises the motor to help him idle into a skim of water.